Act for Kids has won two awards at the recent Queensland Child Protection Week (QCPW) Awards in recognition of our diligent commitment to child protection.
Child Safe Organisation Award
The outstanding implementation of the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations throughout the organisation saw Act for Kids take out the inaugural Child Safe Organisation Award category, sponsored by Ernest and Young.
Samantha Melching, Act for Kids’ Service Quality and Development Manager, spoke of the importance of ensuring a child-friendly environment was fostered internally.
“As our organisation’s purpose is to prevent and treat child abuse and neglect, we recognise the importance of embedding child safe principles in all organisations, especially those who work with vulnerable children and families like ours,” she claimed.
Thriving Communities Initiative Award
The Thriving Communities Initiative Award, which recognises a program that focuses on enhanced community child protection, was taken out by Chancellor State College’s ‘Talking Families’ Initiative. The program involved substantial consultation and input from Act for Kids’ Britt Sherwell and Lisa Harrison.
This initiative sought to strengthen connections between parents, schools and communities, by encouraging open communication and engagement throughout a range of school and community activities. The success of Chancellor State College’s program has seen similar programs emerge across many other Queensland schools.
Act for Kids was also Highly Commended for its ‘One Less Present’ Christmas initiative, which asked families to give up one present and donate its value to Act for Kids to help Aussie kids doing it tough over Christmas.
We’d also like to recognise Chris Adams from Act for Kids’ Intensive Family Support Service who contributed to the MARA Program which won the Education Initiative Award.
Focusing on creating a positive environment for children of school age who had become disengaged with the education system, the MARA Program saw participants display considerably improved self-esteem, and attain a range of recognised qualifications.
Act for Kids CEO Dr Katrina Lines was proud the organisation was recognised as an industry champion.
“I’m delighted that Act for Kids has been regarded so highly, and this truly reflects the tireless efforts of our team,” Dr Lines said.
QCPW, which took place between the 6th and 12th of September, saw Act for Kids hold its first annual Giving Day, Change for Kids, which raised more than $100,000 to give vulnerable kids a second chance at childhood.
A full list of award recipients is available at the QCPW website here.
